Eleventh International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

Museums can create a learning environment for children ages five to twelve by creating STEAM-centered activities themed to their exhibitions and display items. Attendees to our workshop will get a brief introduction to our museum, followed by presentation and discussion of STEAM in education, its place in museums, and practice incorporating STEAM concepts themed to their own museum exhibitions, using it to support their museum’s mission/focus. We will explore the idea of Scientists versus Artists. While the two worlds seem in opposition of each other, the two groups work in very similar ways. Therefore, we can bring them together to encourage visitors to think and problem solve like scientists and artists. This leads us to present STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) and its importance in developing exhibits that encourage museum visitors to think creatively and critically. Museums can use STEAM concepts to reach young visitors and engage in the exhibit, regardless of the theme. STEAM allows for more connections, deeper understanding, and problem-solving, all related to and in support of museums’ missions, goals, and exhibitions. Using the i.d.e.a. Museum’s “Sonoran Safari” exhibit as an example, we will demonstrate how to apply each of the STEAM concepts (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) to a museum exhibit. Participants will also be encouraged to contribute to this discussion and to participate in some of the activities we present. We will review why this is important and how it can be used in any museum, and to the benefit of all visitors. The workshop will conclude with a Museum STEAM Lab. Participants will work in groups to create their own STEAM activities for specific museum objects and exhibits, and they will present and demonstrate their ideas to the group. We encourage participants to use STEAM to include kids in their museum audiences. STEAM concepts can be applied at any museum and can expand their visitors’ opportunities to engage with their exhibits in meaningful, thoughtful, connected ways.